Eduardo Garza, a vintner of exceptional skill and passion, produces exquisite old-vine Carignan and Grenache in the region of Priorat, Spain. However, his remarkable journey originates far away in the beautiful land of Guatemala.
Raised on his family’s picturesque coffee farm nestled on a mountainside Esquipulas, Chiquimula, Eduardo’s formative years were steeped in the art of cultivating unique and exceptional single-origin beverages. Immersed in this world, he developed an early appreciation for the intricate nuances and flavors that could be coaxed from the land.
Through his experiences in the coffee industry, Eduardo gained a profound understanding of the importance of sustainable and long-term agricultural practices. He witnessed firsthand the delicate balance required to nurture crops in remote, high-elevation sloped terrain, where every step of the farming process demands meticulous attention and laborious manual work.
This deep-rooted connection to the land and his unwavering dedication to sustainable farming principles served as the guiding force behind Eduardo’s decision to pursue winemaking in the illustrious terroir of Priorat. Drawing upon his expertise in agricultural practices and his love for the unique flavors of the old-vine Carignan and Grenache grape, he set out to create world-class wines that would captivate the senses and honor the essence of the land.
Eduardo Garza’s story is a testament to the transformative power of passion and the profound impact that diverse cultural backgrounds can have on the world of winemaking. With each bottle of his meticulously craftsmanship, he showcases the rich tapestry of his Guatemalan roots, intertwining them harmoniously with the terroir of Priorat, Spain, and leaving an indelible mark on the global wine stage.
In his pursuit of crafting exceptional wines, Eduardo Garza tends to four enchanting vineyard plots nestled on the hillsides of Gratallops, Bellmunt del Priorat, and Torroja del Prioral. Each of these locations has its own unique microclimate and soil composition, adding depth and complexity to the grapes grown there. Embracing the traditions of the region, Garza’s farming methods remain intimately connected to the land, with a touch of old-world charm. To assist him in this labor-intensive process, he relies on the aid of mules and manpower.
The age of Garza’s vines spans a wide range, with some as young as 20 years and others over 80 years. This diversity brings a richness and diversity of flavors to his wines, as each vine contributes its own distinct character to the final wine. Garza’s deep respect for the land and its natural rhythms shines through in his careful cultivation of these remarkable vineyards.
When it comes to winemaking, Eduardo Garza adheres to a minimal intervention approach in the cellar. He believes in allowing the grapes to express themselves fully, with the right interference and correct timing from human hands. This gentle touch ensures that the wines embody the true essence of the Priorat terroir and the unique characteristics of the old-vine grapes.
Garza’s winemaking style can best be described as elegant and sophisticated. Rather than overpowering with heavy tannins or prominent oak influences, he strives to accentuate the natural acidity and vibrant fruit characteristics of the grapes. This approach creates wines that are harmonious, balanced, and truly reflective of the terroir.
